Preparing for the Test
Materials Available Through USMLE
The best preparation for the USMLE is a general, thorough review of the content reflected in the examination descriptions. You should also review further information on the examination content and test formats available on the USMLE website and run the sample test materials. Self assessment information and materials are also available at www.nbme.org.
Materials Available Through Third Parties
There are no test preparation courses affiliated with or sanctioned by the USMLE program. Information on such courses is not available from the ECFMG, FSMB, NBME, USMLE Secretariat, or medical licensing authorities.
Test preparation courses and materials are available from individuals and companies not associated with USMLE. It is unlawful for any test preparation service or program to use, disclose, distribute, or otherwise provide access to questions or answers from actual USMLE exams. If you are involved with any enterprise that disseminates USMLE content, you should be aware of the consequences to you, regardless of whether your exposure to USMLE content was advertent or inadvertent: If there is evidence that you enrolled, participated in, or used any test preparation program or service that distributes, provides access to, or uses USMLE questions or answers, or provides a forum for others to share such information, your registration and/or testing may be canceled, your scores on the USMLE may be withheld or canceled, and you may be subject to further sanctions.
Test Lengths & Formats
Note: The test descriptions provided here, including test length and number of test items or cases, may be changed at any time.
- Step 1 has approximately 322 multiple-choice test items, divided into seven 60-minute blocks, administered in one eight-hour testing session.
- Step 2 CK has approximately 346 multiple-choice test items, divided into eight 60-minute blocks, administered in one nine-hour testing session.
- Step 2 CS has 12 patient cases. You will have 15 minutes for each patient encounter and 10 minutes to record each patient note. If you do not use the entire 15 minutes for the patient encounter, the remaining time will be added to the time you have to record the patient note. The testing session is approximately eight hours.
- Step 3 has 480 multiple-choice test items, divided into blocks of 35 to 50 items. You will have 45 to 60 minutes to complete each of these blocks. The number of computer-based case simulations (see Exams: Step 3) may vary, but will generally be in the range of 9 to 12 cases. There may be one or two cases in each block and the maximum time allowed per block will be in the range of 22 to 25 minutes.
For Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 multiple-choice sections, during the defined time to complete the items in each block, you may answer the items in any order (with the exception of Sequential Item Sets; see the USMLE website for further information), review your responses, and change answers. After you exit the block, or when time expires, you can no longer review test items or change answers.
Step 2 CS cases and Step 3 case simulations must be taken in the order presented. After you exit the case or session, or when time expires, you can no longer review test items or cases, change answers, or collect additional information.
Practicing with the Software
For Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3, you should acquaint yourself with the test software well before your test date(s). Practice time is not available on the test day, and test center staff are not authorized to provide instruction on use of the software. A brief tutorial on the test day provides a review of the test software, including checking the sound with the audio headphones, navigation tools and examination format, prior to beginning the test. It does not provide an opportunity to practice. Step 3 examinees should review the Primum CCS orientation materials and practice with all of the sample cases well in advance of the testing day to have a thorough understanding of how the software works.
Sample test materials to practice with the software (both multiple-choice questions and Primum CCS cases) are available at the USMLE website.
All examinees taking the Step 2 CS examination are required to type the patient note. Examinees are not permitted to handwrite the note, unless technical difficulties on the test day make the patient note-typing program unavailable. A simulation of the computerized patient note program, which examinees may use to practice typing the patient note, is available at the USMLE website.
Practice at the Prometric Test Centers
If you wish to experience some of the conditions of test administration for Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 3, you may schedule time to review sample test materials at a Prometric Test Center for a fee. This material is shorter than the actual USMLE examinations and is based on older software and content. Instructions regarding how to register for a practice session are available on the USMLE website.
Note: If you register for the practice session, you will be issued a separate Scheduling Permit specifically for the practice session. You must have this Permit before you can contact Prometric to schedule the practice session. You should allow seven business days for issuance of your practice session Scheduling Permit.
Note: Changes to the Practice Sessions may occur in 2012. Please monitor the USMLE website for updates.
